Wednesday, October 22, Jeffrey Mosher was on the road to Lansing, MI, for Michigan Manufacturers Association Announcing Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
Michigan Manufacturers Association’s John J. Walsh, introduces and welcomes several Award winners and finalists in this preview session.
LANSING (October 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan’s economy and improve our daily lives. MMA’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world.
MMA hosted a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA’s Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
Watch these two YouTube videos for the proceedings of that event:
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Best of the Best in Michigan Manufacturing Gather in Lansing to Recognize Award Recipients
LANSING (Oct. 22, 2025) — Manufacturers, industry leaders and media gathered at the Lansing headquarters of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) to reveal and recognize the most innovative leaders and cutting-edge products of Michigan’s manufacturing sector for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
Established by the MMA, the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards program celebrates what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on the individuals, organizations and products that drive our economy and improve our daily lives.
Key leaders within Michigan’s manufacturing community remarked on contributions by the industry to Michigan’s economy, communities and society at the event.
Amsted Automotive has been named the 2025 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier, highlighting the company’s leadership in innovation, quality and continuous improvement across its nine Michigan facilities.
“We are honored to receive the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award, which reflects the dedication and expertise of our teams across nine Michigan facilities. This recognition acknowledges our commitment to innovation, quality, continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence,” said Bill Kerfin, President of Amsted Automotive.
Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), spoke of the significance of the Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year Award, which highlights Michigan manufacturers excelling on the global stage. She emphasized the importance of international trade for expanding the state’s manufacturing footprint and creating new opportunities.
Recognized for its dedication to excellence and the strong values that define its workplace culture, Preferred Machine LLC has been named a Finalist for the 2025 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier.
“At Preferred Machine, we believe in our core values, one of which is ‘Humble Confidence’ — the ability to know our limitations and remain modest. Simply receiving recognition for this award is mind-blowing, sobering and exhilarating, all wrapped in one,” said Nathan Holstege, Owner of Preferred Machine LLC.
Recognizing the company’s leadership in delivering world-class, American-made products and setting the global standard for manufacturing excellence, Wire Wizard Welding Products has been named a Finalist for the 2025 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier.
“Being selected as a finalist for this award is an incredible recognition of the efforts of our team and proof that American-made products manufactured by American craftsmen are still the global benchmark,” said Brian Cooper, President of Wire Wizard Welding Products.
Bill Dobbins, President of Caster Concepts, is the recipient of the 2025 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his decades of leadership, service and commitment to strengthening Michigan’s manufacturing community.
“This honor reminds me that manufacturing isn’t just about what we make, but the lives we shape along the way. Manufacturing has allowed me to serve my community, support our employees and continue a family legacy I’m truly proud of,” said Dobbins.
Bekum America has been named the 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion Award recipient, showcasing the company’s leadership in advancing hands-on training and workforce development in Michigan’s manufacturing sector.
“We’re proud to be named MMA’s 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion, a recognition of Bekum America’s commitment to growing Michigan’s skilled trades workforce and celebrating the success of our apprentices and mentors who are building the future of manufacturing,” said Steven London, President and COO of Bekum America.
Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist at Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing LLC, was named a winner of the 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader Award, celebrating her drive, dedication and growing influence within Michigan’s chemical manufacturing industry.
“I’m honored to be recognized by MMA. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my effort and dedication to the chemical manufacturing industry have made a meaningful impact,” said Ostrander.
Underscoring his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing the next generation of American manufacturing, Zackery Bishop, President and CEO of 4 Flutes Machining, has been named a 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader Award recipient.
“Being honored as a 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader of Manufacturing is an absolute privilege, and I couldn’t be more proud. It’s also a reminder of my responsibility to continue pushing the envelope, growing teams and driving American manufacturing forward,” said Bishop.
Honoring her leadership, mentorship and lifelong dedication to strengthening Michigan’s manufacturing sector, Laurie Harbour, Partner at Wipfli, has been named a 2025 Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award recipient.
“Being named Woman of the Year by the Michigan Manufacturers Association is especially meaningful to me as someone born, raised and inspired by Michigan’s manufacturing legacy. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and proud to champion innovation and opportunity in our state — and to advocate for women who are shaping the future of manufacturing alongside me,” said Harbour.
Armor Protective Packaging has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Community Impact Award, celebrating the company’s commitment to putting people and relationships first while supporting the communities it serves.
“We are thrilled to be considered for this year’s Community Impact Award! One of our core values is People and Relationships Come First, Growth Will Follow and being considered for this award shows us that we are living this out,” said Ryan Gingery, President of Armor Protective Packaging.
Highlighting the impact of her leadership and dedication to advancing Michigan’s manufacturing industry, Lisa Spencer-Conn, General Manager of Llink Technologies, has been named a 2025 Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award recipient.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as a Manufacturing Woman of the Year — this award reflects the collective effort of the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an industry that continues to shape innovation, resilience and progress in our state,” said Spencer-Conn.
Robinson Industries, Inc. has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Community Impact Award, emphasizing the company’s long-standing commitment to generosity, service and community support.
“We are grateful to be considered for the Manufacturing Community Impact Award and especially thankful for the dedication of our employees who make our work possible. While recognition is appreciated, our giving has always been rooted in the values our founders instilled — supporting local churches and organizations — as the Lord has allowed,” said Inez Kaleto, CEO of Robinson Industries, Inc.
Goodwill Integrated Solutions has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Community Impact Award, honoring the organization’s dedication to creating meaningful employment opportunities and strengthening local communities through its manufacturing operations.
Blair Vesterfelt, CEO of Goodwill Integrated Solutions, was present at the press conference to share what being named a finalist means to the organization and its team.
Through two rounds of people’s choice voting, Michigan Sugar Company advanced as a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Award for its iconic Pioneer Sugar product, recognizing the company’s deep agricultural roots and its role in supporting Michigan’s farming community.
“How sweet it is! We are excited to have Pioneer Sugar recognized as one of the coolest things made in Michigan and honored to represent Michigan’s diverse agriculture industry. This recognition is a testament to the passion and expertise of our cooperative’s 865 grower-owners and 2,100 employees who are dedicated to Making Life Sweeter every day,” said Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager at Michigan Sugar Company.
InfernoWare has been voted into the Top 3 as a Finalist for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Award for its InfernoWare Dissipate Coating product, commending the company’s innovation and the quality of its products that continue to elevate Michigan manufacturing.
“To be nominated for this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Award was an extreme honor; to be selected as one of the top three finalists is an unexpected surprise that we couldn’t be prouder of. We understand the value of our products and this nomination validates our hard work,” said Jim Klarich, Vice President of Business Development at InfernoWare.
Driven by creativity, precision and a commitment to advancing Michigan’s manufacturing capabilities, Elite Mold & Engineering has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award.
“Being named a finalist for the Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award is an incredible honor for our entire team. It validates the creativity and pride that every Elite employee brings to advancing Michigan manufacturing,” said Paul Patrash, CEO of Elite Mold & Engineering.
Recognizing the company’s leadership in developing technology-driven solutions that are redefining innovation across the manufacturing sector, Lincode Labs Inc. has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award.
“Lincode is honored to be selected as a finalist for this award. This recognition reflects Lincode’s passion and commitment to product innovation in revolutionizing the manufacturing industry,” said Rajesh Iyengar, CEO of Lincode Labs Inc.
TARUS has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award, celebrating the company’s commitment to advancing digital solutions that enhance the performance and profitability of Michigan manufacturers.
“Being recognized by MMA, the preeminent manufacturing association in the United States, is a tremendous honor. We at VERAX ERP are grateful the MMA recognized a Michigan-based software company that will drive performance and profitability of Michigan manufacturers,” said George Cook, Vice President of TARUS.
For its leadership in advancing sustainable technologies and responsible manufacturing practices, Nexteer Automotive has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Michigan Manufacturing Sustainability Award, powered by Consumers Energy.
“Being named a finalist for the Michigan Manufacturing Sustainability Award is a tremendous honor that reflects the dedication of our Nexteer team. We are proud to advance innovative solutions that not only improve efficiency but also create a lasting positive impact for our environment, communities and the future of Michigan manufacturing,” said Jill Dralle, Vice President & US Division Chief Operating Officer at Nexteer Automotive.
Kyocera Unimerco Tooling, Inc. has been named a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 Michigan Manufacturing Sustainability Award, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, employee well-being and long-term sustainable growth.
“We are honored to be considered a finalist of the Manufacturing Excellence Award for Sustainability. We believe as a company that it is important that we create a sustainable company that cares about our employees, customers and the environment now and for the foreseeable future,” said John Brannan, CFO of Kyocera Unimerco Tooling, Inc. Learn more about the Manufacturing Excellence Awards at mimfg.org/excellence and the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan at micoolestthing.org. Contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at mckinley@mimfg.org or 517-303-3541 to be connected with any of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards winners and finalists for additional storytelling opportunities.
Below is an MMA PDF with more about the winners:
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About MMA
The Michigan Manufacturers Association is the unifying champion of Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Since 1902, MMA has a proven track record and unwavering commitment to serve Michigan manufacturers through relentless legislative advocacy, resources to address the talent crisis, vital industry information, significant cost savings and more. As MMA members, manufacturers can tap into a professional network and resources to help grow their businesses, address challenges and create a sense of unity with other manufacturers. Visit mimfg.org for more information.
Also, watch John and Chris preview the 2025 MFG Excellence Awards, and pre event press conference, highlighting categories, past winners, and innovations, in the YouTube video shared below:
